By Bazli Razak
JERTEH, June 6, 2026 – Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) has extended financial assistance to a softball athlete from Terengganu, who comes from a low-income family, to pursue her diploma studies through financial aid provided ahead of her registration for the 2026/2027 Academic Session.
UPSI Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), Prof. Dr. Norkhalid Salimin, said the assistance was given to Siti Nor Ba’iyah Abd. Karim, 18, who has been offered a place in the Diploma in Sports Science and Coaching programme at the university.
He said UPSI, through its Centre for Waqf, Endowment, Zakat, Charity and Alms (WEZAS), had approved a Special Admission Assistance Scheme worth RM1,500 to help cover the student’s initial enrolment expenses.
“The success of Siti Nor Ba’iyah in furthering her studies at UPSI despite life challenges proves that determination, perseverance and family support can overcome various obstacles.
“We do not want any student to postpone or sacrifice their dream of pursuing higher education simply because of financial constraints,” he said in a statement on Friday.
He added that he had earlier led a welfare visit to Siti Nor Ba’iyah’s residence in Kampung Hutan Nangka to assess the family’s situation and to present initial assistance ahead of her registration day on June 9.
Siti Nor Ba’iyah is a softball athlete who represented Terengganu in the Malaysian Schools Sports Council (MSSM) Championships from 2021 to 2024 and is now ready to continue her excellence in academics at UPSI.
She is the seventh of ten siblings and is considered a key hope for her family after her father, Abd. Karim Engah, 68, is no longer able to work due to health reasons, while her mother, Rohana Mat, is a full-time homemaker.
Dr. Norkhalid said UPSI remains committed to ensuring the welfare of students, particularly those from low-income and B40 families, is safeguarded so that they can begin their studies in a more comfortable condition.
“UPSI will continue to strengthen various welfare initiatives, including zakat assistance, endowment funds, corporate contributions, and community partnerships to ensure student well-being throughout their studies,” he said.
Siti Nor Ba’iyah is scheduled to register at UPSI’s main campus in Tanjong Malim, Perak on June 9.
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